"I consider all things in their proportions, Yasuki-san. You may inform Seppun Sadako that you have done as she requested."

"I will consider it, but I must confess that while I share your faith in Seppun Sadako, I do not extend it to her lieutenants. In fact, I believe that all of us who believe that we command power and loyalty will find those ties tested in short order. There are new winds blowing, and they will exert ...

"If it does not put my cousin's life at risk, then I am willing to hear your suggestion."

"You mean that all will hinge on what a Wind does after the choice, but of course by then it will be much too late. It is not for an Emperor to convince their servants, but if convincing must be done, it will be done before any of the Winds actually takes the throne."

"Indeed. But as it stands, all roads lead to the capital eventually. It is a pity, as I find that I feel most comfortable as a host, rather than a guest. But not all things are arranged for our comfort."

Lady Doji rose an eyebrow. "It is true that the blossoms at the Crab embassy are lovely, particularly the view from the terrace, but one wonders how the view from the basement compares." She turns her head. "I understand that the view from the palace is best of all, but one wonders whether the seaso...

Lady Doji allows Eiji to smell the tea in silence. Only when he has finished does she turn the conversation toward the approach of spring. "...Yasuki Masaki seems particularly eager to have my cousin view the cherry blossoms in Otosan Uchi this year. She seems to believe that those near the Imagawa ...

Lady Doji slid Shukujo free from the scabbard and a peal of purest music echoed over the hills. She processed slowly to stand at Hoshiko's elbow, the sword held before her.

"Lovely," she murmured, taking up one the silver-chased pot. "This tea comes from the slopes of Mount Giri in the Wall Above the Ocean. It is a hardy blend, developed to fortify one for difficult nights of work on the terraces." She poured slowly but precisely, and set the pot down.

"He has, thank you, Soshi-san. Perhaps I could show you hospitality in the form of tea?" She gestured slowly toward one of the teapots.

Eiji is escorted into a small room where Lady Doji is waiting. Her posture is every bit that of a warrior, but she extends her hand to bid Eiji sit like the most polished of Imperial courtiers.

"Soshi Eiji, chief diplomat of the Scorpion Clan. Please, enter and be seated. Have you had rice?"

"Alright. I shall be ready."

Minehime smiled a little sadly. "The good intentions of certain factions only intensify matters. It hardly matters if every faction felt itself to be sincerely acting in the best interests of the Empire, Yasuki-san. Their positions are not reconcilable as they currently stand, since a core element o...

"When are we expecting that we will be ready to address this matter?"

"I hope that Yasuki-san is correct, but I am afraid that I could not confirm her hopes in that regard. The Otomo may feel that they cannot pursue old policies in light of new attitudes among the clans. They will not renounce all of their ambitions, however. Who would?"

"I had hoped when Lady Akodo slapped the thing out of Lord Kitsu that that would be the end of it, but I suppose that I should know by now that our luck is seldom equal to our hopes. Very well, if Shukujo is needed, then I will be the hand that wields it."

"That would be acceptable to me."

"They are cagey, the Lion. Very well, the treaty is acceptable to me. You said there was another matter?"

"Those are extremely favorable terms. I assume the customs reduction is limited to this year?"

Lady Doji bade them enter and be seated. She appeared her usual, perfect self, with that hint of danger that comes from having one of the most dangerous swordsmen in the Empire sitting across from you.